Freeview Focus on... Rhod Gilbert

24 August 2011

As he approaches almost a decade in comedy, Rhod Gilbert returns to BBC One and BBC One HD for a brand-spanking new series of Ask Rhod Gilbert this month. Winner of various Chortle awards, named Time Out’s Comic of the Year and owner of the ‘Wales’ Sexiest Male’ title, WE ask Rhod Gilbert to tell us about his TV habits. 

1. Tell us what you’re up to at the minute?  

I'm working non-stop on the second series of ' Ask Rhod Gilbert' which airs on BBC One and BBC One HD this September. The BBC were kind enough to give me a second series, but it's a huge amount of work that goes into the show. If I get a spare few seconds, I try to write some stand-up material as I'm hoping to tour early next year. It’s pretty hectic at the moment....and I haven't even started my Christmas shopping. 

2. You’ve appeared on Mock The Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, plus you have your very own DVD - what is the standout moment of your comedy career?  

I'm proud of different things for different reasons. In one sense I'm proudest of going out to entertain the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan because that's where you see comedy really helping people and that really stands out for me. Personally, for recognition in the comedy industry, I was privileged to be nominated for the main comedy award at the Edinburgh Festival a couple of years ago. It's also a surreal pleasure to have your own DVDs in the shops with your name on - it's tangible proof that you've achieved something and I always do a double-take when I see them on the shelf.

3. What is your ‘Top TV’ moment from the past year?  

Being invited to host BBC One’s ' Have I Got News for You?' was a Top TV moment for me. I was overwhelmed that they trusted an idiot like me with a nation's TV treasure. It was like handing your best china over to the dog for safe keeping. 

4. Which television series, old or new, do you think of as ‘Unmissable TV’ and why?  

Dragons’ Den on BBC2 and BBC HD. I have to keep watching just to see how many businesses the super-busy dragons can keep taking on and devoting their time to before one of them goes "hang on, I have 17,000 companies - I'm getting a bit too busy"!  

5. Tell us what shows you are watching or recording at the moment?  

My girlfriend makes me watch all the soaps.... EastEnders on BBC One, Coronation Street on ITV1. I wouldn't otherwise.... Honest. 

6. Which actor or comedian would you most like to work with and why?  

I really admire Michael Sheen and would love to work alongside him - even if it’s just to learn how he does things. His ability to morph into other people is incredible and I think he may actually be made of some kind of 'acting plasticine'. 

7. Tell us your guilty TV pleasure?  

My guilty TV pleasure is The Apprentice on BBC One and BBC One HD. It's tragic comedy. We should be protecting the contestants from themselves, but instead we stick them on TV for people to laugh at.  

8. Who was your childhood TV hero and why?  

My childhood TV hero was Felicity Kendal - for predictable reasons, she was every schoolboys dream. I think it was largely down to the dungarees she wore. 

9. When was the last time TV made you cry?  

TV makes me cry all the time. I can turn on a programme, have no idea what is going on, who the characters are or what the story is about, and if something sad happens, I'm in floods of tears. It says a lot more about me than TV, I know.  

10. Now Freeview HD is available, which part of your body would you least likely to see in high definition?  

My aorta. Whatever that is.

Ask Rhod Gilbert returns to BBC One and BBC One HD  for a second series in September 2011. For more information on Rhod, his tour and where you can see him next, visit http://www.rhodgilbertcomedian.com .